Determine Methodology

Any research project involves a number of decisions regarding methodology. Will information be gathered via secondary sources or will primary data be collected? If primary data is to be collected, should it be through a survey or some other method such as a field experiment? If a survey is to be done, should it be in person, by mail, by phone, or via the Internet? Who should be surveyed? How many people should be surveyed? How should they be selected? What type of analysis will be required to achieve the project objectives? In order to ensure useful results at the end of a project, all of these questions need to be considered jointly at the start.

Different methodologies have different strengths and weaknesses and vary in terms of their suitability for dealing with different types of research questions. Therefore, we carefully consider a client’s objectives for the project before making methodological recommendations. Even if the client has specified a particular methodology in an RFP we consider whether we agree that it’s the most appropriate under the circumstances, and if we don’t think it is then we’ll discuss our concerns with the client and suggest what we believe would be a better alternative.

In developing the methodology, we are very mindful of the need to collect valid and reliable information in order to be able to give the client sound results within the client’s intended timeframe and budget. These considerations can sometimes conflict. For example, a very low budget or short time frame may mean that results are less precise or comprehensive than they could be given a larger budget or more time. If trade-offs like these need to be made, we discuss them with the client so that they can make the best decision for them in light of their needs.